Ground Search and Rescue Agreement Signed
EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Ground Search and Rescue Agreement Signed
Guidelines are now in place to ensure consistency when Nova Scotia's ground search and rescue volunteers assist in searches on Parks Canada property.
The Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), Nova Scotia's Ground Search and Rescue Association and Parks Canada signed a memorandum of understanding today, March 3, that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each organization when searches for lost or missing persons take place in national parks across the province.
"I am very pleased an agreement is in place among all three parties," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization. "This partnership enables us to provide the most efficient services available to save the lives of lost persons."
"The commitment of Parks Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association working together will ensure that the safety of visitors to Canada's national parks in Nova Scotia is second to none," said MP Geoff Regan.
In addition to assisting in searches, the search and rescue association will also make recommendations to EMO and Parks Canada on improving search and rescue training. All three parties also agree to mutually develop standard operating procedures for searches.
"This agreement between Parks Canada, the Emergency Measures Organization and our association is another first for Nova Scotia," said Charlie Strickland, president of Nova Scotia's Ground Search and Rescue Association. "It is the first agreement of this type between Parks Canada and a volunteer group in Canada, and it was made possible due to the hard work and support of EMO and Parks Canada, as well as the demonstrated professionalism of the volunteers in Nova Scotia."
"Parks Canada is very pleased to be working together with EMO and the Nova Scotia Ground Search And Rescue Association to have a co-ordinated system for search and rescue," said Carol Whitfield, superintendent for Parks Canada in Cape Breton. "Each organization brings its experience and professionalism together to maximize efficiencies and results."
Nova Scotia's ground search and rescue program consists of 24 teams made up of 1,650 highly trained ground search and rescue volunteers who conduct ground searches for lost persons. The program provides a ready pool of volunteers with a command structure and communications strategy that can be applied to a broad range of emergencies.
The search and rescue program is run in partnership with the RCMP with support from the Emergency Measures Organization. Over the years, program participants have delivered a preventive ground search and rescue program to more than 50,000 young Nova Scotians. Through research and training, Nova Scotia teams are continuously examining new ways to ensure the successful rescue of those whose lives are in danger.